Essential Australia

Price per person based on twin share

Independant Tour

Departures: Daily

Day 1: Arrive Sydney
This classic Australia itinerary starts in the country’s most
famed city, iconic Sydney. Top of many visitors wish list,
the city boasts a cosmopolitan vibe, a spectacular harbour,
and the beautiful Sydney Opera House among its
attractions. Transfer to your chosen hotel for a four-night
stay and enjoy a leisurely afternoon or evening.

Day 2: Sydney Attractions
Sydney’s Darling Harbour is packed with attractions, and
your Darling Harbour Experience Pass gives you a great
deal with access to many of these. Visit the fantastic
Sydney Wildlife World and the famous Sydney Aquarium;
take a Matilda Harbour Cruise with five stops around the
harbour and hop on and off as you please; enjoy a
restaurant meal at Jordons Seafood (bookings essential);
travel the monorail with a full-day pass; access the Sydney
Tower, taking you 250 metres above Sydney; Oztrek, a
brilliant virtual reality tour around Australia; and see a film
on the world’s largest screen at the IMAX Theatre.
Activities can be completed today, but your pass is also
valid for use on Day 4. (L)

Day 3: Blue Mountains
Join a tour to the picturesque Blue Mountains National
Park. This is a region of crisp, clean mountain air where
distant blue haze rises above awesome canyons. Reach
Essential Australia
Katoomba, the heart of the Blue Mountains, and follow a
scenic drive to see the awe-inspiring Three Sisters rock
formation, towering over the Jamison Valley. You will also
get the chance to take a ride on the world’s steepest
scenic railway or the Scenic Skyway (own expense). In the
afternoon you will visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, where
you can see kangaroos, wallabies and koalas in a natural
bush setting before your return to Sydney.

Day 4: Sydney
Explore Sydney at your leisure. If you didn’t visit all of
Sydney’s attractions on Day 2, then today’s the day to
complete your Sydney sightseeing. Alternatively, if you
need some more ideas, turn to pages 50-51 for more
touring options to add on to your itinerary.

Day 5: Sydney - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Transfer to the airport today to board your flight to
Australia’s Red Centre. Outback Australia holds a
fascination for visitors from around the globe. On arrival at
Uluru (Ayers Rock) airport, a complimentary shuttle will
transfer you to your chosen accommodation for a twonight
stay. Tonight is an experience to remember as you
enjoy the magical ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner in the desert,
with the sunset silhouetting Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kaka
Tjuta (The Olgas). The haunting sounds of a digeridoo and
some of the best stargazing you will ever experience
complete a perfect evening. (D)

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Enjoy a morning at leisure before your driver guide takes
you closer to the great monolith. Have a look around the
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before joining a guided
Mala Walk to explore the base of Uluru and the Mutitjulu
waterhole. Tonight savour a second Uluru sunset with a
glass of wine, closer to the Rock this time.

Day 7: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – Kings Canyon
Rise early and enjoy sunrise at Uluru before travelling out
to the marvellous domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a
guided walk into Walpa Gorge. Today’s driver guide takes
you to the mighty Kings Canyon. Stay overnight at Voyages
Kings Canyon Resort or upgrade to the Kings Canyon
Wilderness Lodge for an additional

Day 8: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs
Take an early morning guided walk to the canyon rim for
breathtaking views of the canyon walls. Visit the Lost City
and the beautiful Garden of Eden. There is an alternative,
easier, shaded walk along the canyon floor, offering
spectacular views. Later travel to Kings Creek Station
before arriving in Alice Springs by evening.

Day 9: Alice Springs - Cairns
Departing the Red Centre, you will be transferred to Alice
Springs airport to board your flight to Cairns in Australia’s
tropical north. One of the main gateways to Australia’s
Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is popular with Australian and
international visitors alike and a fun-filled holiday
destination. On arrival, a shuttle transfer will take you to
your chosen accommodation for a two-night stay. Enjoy
bustling Cairns at leisure tonight.

Day 10: Kuranda & Tjapukai
This morning, you will be collected from your hotel for a
full-day experience starting with a ride on the Scenic
Railway up to colourful Kuranda. See spectacular views of
the rainforest as the train climbs the mountains, and stop
to browse Kuranda’s markets at the summit. Return on
Skyrail, the world’s longest gondola cableway, gliding just
metres above the rainforest canopy, and hop on and off to
see the rainforest up close. Your host will transfer you to
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park this afternoon for a buffet
lunch, traditional dancing and interactive craft
demonstrations. (L)

Day 11: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Port
Douglas
This morning, transfer to the marina at Port Douglas to
board a catamaran cruise to the outer edge of the iconic
Great Barrier Reef. Disembark at Quicksilver’s pontoon to
view the reef from an underwater observatory, and take a
trip in a semi-submersible. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and
maybe a spot of snorkelling. Back on dry land, you will be
transferred to your chosen hotel in Port Douglas, where
your luggage will be waiting for you. (L)

Day 12: Port Douglas
Today is yours at leisure to explore this charming resort.
Enjoy a drink or two at the marina, or relax with your
favourite book on Four Mile Beach. Port Douglas is as laidback
as it gets!

Day 13: Port Douglas - Cape Tribulation
Depart Port Douglas for the Daintree National Park. This
is a region of stunning natural beauty known for its ancient
rainforests, sandy beaches and rugged mountains and
where the rainforest famously meets the Great Barrier
Reef. Look out for the Ulysses Butterfly and the Giant Tree
Frog among other resident fauna en route. The rainforest
really comes alive at night and the accommodation we
have chosen is tucked safely in its midst.

Day 14: Cape Tribulation - Palm Cove
Transfer back through the rainforest to the delightful resort
of Palm Cove, known as one of the most exclusive of
Cairns’ northern beaches and an ideal stop on your return
to Cairns. It boasts a delightful palm tree-shaded beach
and a variety of top quality restaurants and health spas.

Day 15: Palm Cove – Depart Cairns
Transfer from your Palm Cove hotel to Cairns airport for
your onward or homeward flight.

Prices Include
• Accommodation as specified
• Meals as specified (L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Sightseeing & touring as specified
• Transfers as specified

Prices Exclude
• Airfares
• Items of a personal nature
• Fuel surcharge of approximately AU$5 per person,
payable locally on Day 11